Vermont · Permit Test FAQ

Vermont Permit Test FAQ

A complete guide to permit test faq in Vermont, based on the official VT DMV driver handbook.

Capital: Montpelier Min permit age: 15 Permit fee: $32 Hold period: 12 months

How many questions are on the Vermont permit test?

The Vermont permit knowledge test typically has 25 to 50 questions depending on the office and the version delivered on the day. To pass you need approximately 80% — that is usually 20 of 25, 32 of 40, or 40 of 50 correct. The test is delivered on a touchscreen at the VT DMV, and you generally cannot go back and change earlier answers once you advance past them.

How much does the permit cost in Vermont?

The current Vermont learner's permit fee is $32, payable at the counter by card, cash, or check (some Vermont branches are card-only). If you fail the knowledge test you may be required to pay a re-test fee for each subsequent attempt; check the current fee schedule on the VT DMV website before your appointment.

For a deeper read on this topic across all 50 states, see our right-of-way, speed limits, and alcohol and drugs articles.

How long do I have to hold the permit?

In Vermont the supervised hold period is 12 months. During that time you must drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. Many Vermont counties also require 50 logged hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of them after sunset, before you become eligible for the road test.

Can I take the test in another language?

The Vermont permit test is offered in English and Spanish at every VT DMV office, and additional languages — typically Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Armenian, and Punjabi — are available at major county offices and on most online versions. An interpreter you bring yourself is generally not allowed for the knowledge test.

What if I fail?

Most Vermont counties allow you to retake the test the same day or the next business day. After three consecutive failures you may be required to wait a longer period and pay an additional fee. The VT DMV will tell you which sections you missed; spend extra time in those sections of the handbook before returning.

Quick facts about Vermont

  • Capital: Montpelier
  • Minimum permit age: 15
  • Current permit fee: $32
  • Supervised hold period: 12 months
  • Adult BAC limit: 0.08% · Under-21 BAC: 0.02%
  • Default speed limits: 65 mph rural Interstate, 65 mph urban Interstate, 25 mph residential, 25 mph school zone
  • Handheld phone use: banned
  • Vision standard: 20/40 acuity in at least one eye, corrected or uncorrected
  • Reinstatement fee after suspension: $71
  • Official source: VT DMV

Other Vermont guides on PermitPrep

Each link below opens a dedicated Vermont page. Every guide is built from the same official VT DMV handbook so the rules stay consistent across topics.

Ready to test what you have learned? Take the free Vermont permit practice test — 20 randomized questions, instant grading, full explanations.